Name: Bad Girl
Director: Varsha Bharat
Cast: Anjali Sivaraman, Shantipriya, Saranya Ravichandran, Hridayu Aaron, Teejay Arunasalam, Sashank Bommireddipalli
Author: Varsha Bharat
Rating: 3.5/5
Bad Girl, starring Anjali Sivaraman in the lead role, was released in theaters on September 5, 2025. After the theatrical release, the film is now available for streaming on JioHotstar.
If you are gearing up to watch it on OTT this week, here is the review of IHNS for you.
plot
Bad Girl is the story of Ramya, a young girl whose life we follow from her teenage years to her early thirties. As she hopes to find the perfect romance, she is exposed to the realities of love, relationships and the challenges that come with them.
In her quest to fulfill her desires, Ramya often rebels against the social norms imposed by her family and the stereotypes associated with being a woman.
How Ramya’s life shapes her personality is the central focus of the story.
Good
Bad Girl is directed by debutant Varsha Bharat, who has taken inspiration from the lives of several women to craft the story. The film isn’t just a coming-of-age drama that veers away from themes that other filmmakers often hesitate to explore.
The characters, especially the protagonist, Ramya, are portrayed with raw conviction, deeply rooted in her thoughts, feelings and desires. The central character lives in a conservative family where every decision is made by men, while women are restricted to the roles of caregivers and emotional support systems.
However, amidst these troubling dynamics, Ramya comes across as a rebel, following her own ideals rather than conforming to “backward” beliefs and restrictive norms. Her character is deeply reflective, reminding audiences of the strong women we often encounter in real life.
The narrative of her life is not just about “empowerment”, but it also takes an in-depth look at what a person experiences when surrounded by others with different privileges.
Varsha Bharat’s writing deserves special praise, as the film leaves an indelible mark, forcing the audience to contemplate everything that happens around us. The film doesn’t just explore family conflicts; It tells of the challenges women face in realizing their desires, often finding the reality to be much greater than what they dreamed of.
From a technical standpoint, the film excels in its cinematography, making it a visually captivating cinematic experience. Additionally, Amit Trivedi’s music and Radha Sridhar’s editing contribute strongly to the film’s effectiveness.
bad
When it comes to the shortcomings of Bad Girl, the main flaw is the lack of consistency in its storytelling. The narrative flow sometimes loses momentum, making it difficult to stay fully engaged at times.
Also, some aspects of the story may not be relevant to all audiences (for example, a privileged Indian person like me). However, this does not hinder the overall viewing experience.
Display
The standout performance of the bad girl comes from Anjali Sivaraman, who conveys every emotion of her character with remarkable depth. She maintains a subtle yet powerful balance in her portrayal and delivers one of her finest performances.
The love-hate dynamic between Ramya and her mother, played by Shantipriya (aka Nishanthi) is another highlight of the film. The film also has an attractive group of supporting actors who add strength to the story.
Watch the teaser of Bad Girl:
Bad Girl is a thought-provoking and charming film that explores a young girl’s journey of transition into womanhood. If you enjoy well-made old-fashioned dramas with beautiful visuals and emotional depth, this film is definitely worth a watch.
